Gary Shenkle's 'sort-of tribute' to Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SPOKANE, Washington - Had Gary Shenkle remained at SWCS, he would have graduated with us as a member of the Class of '66, no doubt getting in the same trouble we did.

He certainly showed a talent for it before his family wisked him away to Wallingford, Conn. around our sophomore year. Gary and I and Craig Fransen and Tom Short (Class of '67) spread chaos for several summers before Gary left. He went on to graduate from dental school, practiced dentistry for awhile and eventually went to law school, hanging out his shingle now in eastern Washington.

Gary still has a great sense of humor (probably has to, to be a lawyer). Here's what he said in his email:

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Mike, dude-
Please extend my warmest to any of the ole gang that still gives a damn. Expecially [sic] Craig, Ward, of course, YOU. Give yourself a pat on the back from me for an excellent job.
BTW, as a PI attorney, if anyone slips or falls, give 'em my name and address!

"G"
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He can't make the reunion - his work as a lawyer in Washington is keeping him from swilling beer, wine and Grey Goose with us - but he did send along his list of songs that he would like to hear.

And the 'sort of tribute' to Gene Pitney? Well, read his list below.

"G's" top ten songs from the 60's and his least favourite ones too:

#1- Turn, turn, turn - The Byrds [from Ecclesiastes]
#2- Somethin's Happenin' Here - .... BFLO Springfield
#3- Woudn't It Be Nice - Beach Boys
#4- Don't Worry Baby - Beach Boys
#5- Hawiian Love Song - Elvis Presley
#6- Hey Little Cobra - The Rhipcords
#7- Little Deuce Coupe - Beach Boys
#8- Little Red Rooster - Rolling Stones
#9- Walk Don't Run - ... ??? [BOTH Versions]
#10- Be True To Your School - Beach Boys [but only while i was at SWCS]

AND MY TEN LEAST FAVOURITES-

#10- Those "Paul and Paula" things - Paul and Paula ????

#9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Town Without Pity - Gene Pitney